Where to Apply for Visa...

Hi,

In applying for your Visa in California, do not mention trekking what so ever or you will be required to obtain that permit as well. Mention that you are travellling in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and touring sites of historical interest.

There is no need to go to the consulate as they will not issue the Visa on the same day.
they required book statements for 3 months, application, photo, passport, credit card number which is non refundable even if you do not get the Visa.

I have travelled in Pakistan 5 times and they would only issue 1 month so be sure and give them a starting date of when you will need to be in Pakistan.

Wish you all the best. It's worth the effort to visit this beautiful country.

SB

One more thing send all info by registered mail and have the consulate sign for it when they receive it. Pay the extra to have it insured with Fedex for the return. This will ease you worry about the loss of passport.
Also, you can get a LOI from Lost Horizon for $50. which will be necessary. I forgot to mention this in the list above.

Cheers.

SB

Edited by: SaharaBlue

As far as getting the Visa in India, you will have to wait a week for them to process & it's possible they won't.
Nepal is a much better option if you are going there.

The other option as one poster suggested is paying the price for a Visa service to obtain it for you.
It's worth checking it out and weighing the cost as it would be less hassle.

SB

Thanks SB for sharing precious & certainly helpful info with fellow travelers.

I got my Pakistani visa a week ago in their embassy in Sweden and I did not have any problems with sending it by mail. However I used agent service but sending it by special mail is perfectly legal at least here. You definitely need a LOI and travel plan itself is not enough. I used Lost Horizon and got it in two days.

Regards
Mikko from Finland

Thanks all for the information. Just to clarify one detail. Did anyone actually have to provide flight tickets (e-ticket printouts), or is a rough itinerary enough (e.g. just writing something like "I plan to fly into Lahore around Nov 22, spend my time sightseeing sites of historical interest in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, and fly out of Karachi around Dec 15.")

Obviously I don't want to buy flight tickets before I get the visa...

Hi Max,

I would take a copy of a printed ticket schedule from the airlines for the intended days just in case they ask. You can tell them you have the date on hold until you receive the Visa.

Good luck.

SB

Hi Max,

Travel plan didn't work for us in Stockhol embassy. It was very detailed with list of places and dates we were supposed to go. We also had booked a couple of hostels but I think the problem was traveling overland. The embassy didn't even take our application in without an invitation.

Thanks SB and Miguel. Miguel, yes I'll definitely get the LOI. I assume that LOI and a printout of some sample flights would do (i.e. I go to the booking site, select flights, and do a screen shot before I actually buy the ticket).

Or did they actually require bought and confirmed flight tickets?

At least in our case having LOI was the necessity and after that it was very straightforward. If you can you should calland ask them. You'll save a lot of hassle by asking beforehand.

BR

Mikko